The Right Pigments Will Save You Time and Money



Color Pigments



The pigments we use in our recycled plastic boards are much like the pigments used to color paint and can come from organic or inorganic sources and are water-and oil-insoluble. The use of pigments has been around for thousands of years. Common colors used were sienna, umber, and ochre which are all naturally mined pigments. Other organic pigments that were manufactured include iron oxide and carbon black. Synthetically produced organic pigments are made from petroleum, coal tar, and natural gas. Organic pigments are able to maintain their colorfastness even when exposed to sunlight and variable weather.

Pigments provide many color options and by combining pigments the color choices are limitless. However, the best way to help protect the park sign colors from fading and chalking is to first choose colors that are light stable. Light stable colors hold together and resist fading and chalking from exposure to direct sunlight. A poor light stable color can’t be saved by even the best UV stabilizer.



Routed Signs on
Plastic Lumber Post Structure



It’s important to also protect the high density polyethylene (HDPE) boards from damaging UV rays by using UV stabilizers to insure that the recycled plastic park signs have lasting color, beauty, and durability in direct sunlight applications. Overall, to have park signs that have a long life span you need both the appropriate UV stabilizers for the recycled high density polyethylene and color pigments which will not fade.



Plastic Lumber Frame
with a Digitally Printed
Vinyl Insert



Fortunately for the parks and recreation industry, the best light stable colors for HDPE outdoor signage are green, brown, beige, and black.  We have 19 different color choices to meet your needs. We recommend the earth tones because they resist fading or chalking which is common in brighter, less light stable colors such as red, yellow, and orange.

However, if your application requires these bright colors we can provide them. We can also provide tailor made colors. In fact, you can choose just about any color for your park signs and we even have a system that allows for printed vinyl graphics to be added to the signs.